Another Suns Draft Failure

Though its technically old news, this was new (surprisingly) to me... but apparently Marcin Gortat (aka "The Polish Hammer") was a 2nd round pick of the Suns back in 2005. Good job Phoenix front office and Mike D'Antoni... that's ANOTHER good solid young building block that you gave up for CASH CONSIDERATIONS. I hope that million dollars or two feels good in your pocket books while the Suns sit at home this spring.

I know Marcin's not a star by any means but he's a legit 7 footer and banger who would be great as the 1st big off the bench and a decent starter in a pinch. Basically everything you would WANT Robin Lopez to be (but probably never will). And for those that think I'm overhyping a scrub... in 3 games as a starter this season (when Dwight was out), the Polish Hammer averaged a double-double with 10 pts, 11.7 rebs, and 3 blks, in 33 minutes resulting in a 2-1 record. And when Dwight was suspended for game 6 of the Philly series, Marcin came through with a 11 pt, 15 reb, 4 stl performance in 40 minutes for a closeout playoff win against the 76ers (on the road too!).

Of course, this is not first, nor the biggest blunder of the PHX front office in recent years. No, those mistakes have been well documented. Luol Deng (7th, 2004), Nate Robinson (21st, 2005), Rajon Rondo (21st, 2006), Rudy Fernandez (24th, 2007)... all traded away for cash. Way to mortgage you future guys! Now I know if the Suns HAD kept some of these picks then of course records/draft positions would have been different in subsequent years, so its likely they would not have gotten ALL of these players. And also, in most cases the Suns were probably picking for other teams so its not for certain they would have picked the same players if they were going to keep them. Still though, its a nice example of all the wasted opportunities that the Phoenix Suns COULD have had. Its one thing to screw up once or twice in a draft (Darko anybody?) but to do some in 4 CONSECUTIVE drafts, I mean, come on... that has to be record or something.

Seriously, from now on, they should just send out feelers to let other teams *think* PHX is gonna sell their pick and get an idea of who the other teams are gonna take, then just draft the guys themselves.